'Twas the month before Christmas,
...and all through the office,
all managers were stirring
...over budgets for gifts.
By the end of the year budgets are usually tighter than stressed nerves, and shopping obligations harken through the malls. Now it may be your responsibility to buy gifts, and the faster you can cross names off your list-- the more time you have to roast chestnuts and enjoy the holidays.
Gift baskets are so popular because they are easy to order... they can be shared a number of people... and there is a wide cost range to fit within any budget.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute.
Some people like to shop immediately after Halloween; some brave the crowds right after Thanksgiving; and others wait until Christmas Eve. Since a batch of business orders sometimes requires a few weeks of lead time for customization and delivery, don't wait until the last minute. Fortunately, you can schedule delivery dates well in advance.
I recommend: American Express has a helpful
time line for planning how much time you should allow.
Trust "Consumer Reports"
An article by Consumer Reports entitled "Best Gifts in over 50 Categories" included ratings for top gift baskets. No need to dash through malls or hunt on the internet if you trust their recommendations.
I recommend: Top-Rated Baskets according to "Consumer Reports" 1)
Usingers (Meats and Sausages)
2)
The Fruit Company (Fruit Baskets)
3)
iGourmet (Specialty Cheeses & Desserts)
4)
Wine Country Gift Baskets (Wine)
Add a Touch of Customization
Most etiquette sites advise against ostentatious branding for holiday gifts, and I agree. However, small touches are acceptable, especially since offices are sometimes inundated with gifts. Small reminders are sometimes necessary to let people know where the gift came from.
I recommend: Personalized Ribbon or
Custom Cards for a subtle, yet appropriate way to make your gift special and professional.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Arrange to have baskets sent directly to clients, unless you specifically want to deliver baskets yourself. If it's a question of cost, you probably won't save much by having them all delivered to your office, but it never hurts to ask.
- You should be able to save time by simply emailing a list of gift recipients on a spreadsheet or word document instead of entering each order individually on a website. Just ask for a corporate sales representative.
- Save some money by finding a company that charges No Sales Tax (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon).
- Make sure prices are not included with the shipment. This shouldn't be an issue, but you might as well double-check.
Related Resources from Business.com
Recommended Solution Providers 
Best Sites to Learn More
Best Blogs and Forums 
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
